A fine and fitting tribute to one of the world's best singers, who we lost way too soon....

One thing is for sure, and we can all take comfort in this. Like Lawrence Welk, the legacy of Nat King Cole lives on with his recordings and tapes of his television appearances, ensuring that younger generations can enjoy what music is really all about.

So until next time, keep a song in your heart and always remember to straighten up and fly right!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Throughout the year of 1976, America celebrated her 200th birthday with songs, parties and fireworks whether it was on television or with friends, family and perfect strangers.And the gang on the Lawrence Welk Show took part in the star spangled, red and white blue celebrations.

I would say that the Musical Family captured the spirit of the Bicentennial very well.

Also, as the Maestro mentioned at the beginning of the show, a double album of songs aptly titled Lawrence Welk Singers & Orchestra Presents 200 Years of American Music can be heard in the comforts of your own home. Just go to ebay, Amazon or your local vintage record store to bring home your little piece of patriotic music.Until next time, keep a song in your heart and God Bless America!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The internet is one of the last bastions where creativity and originality exists in this world.

But if Congress has their way, SOPA the Stop Online Piracy Act and PIPA the Protect IP Act would put a stop to it, under the guise of combating online piracy.I'm all for stopping piracy and protecting intellectual property, but this pile-of-crap legislation reeks more about heavy-handed censorship and big government intrusion. If this legislation is successful, webmasters and bloggers like myself would be silenced.And that alone would cast a cloudy and uncertain future for Welk Musical Family.com

Contact your Senators and Representative and tell them NO to internet censorship and YES to creative freedom!

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles on Thursday, January 19th is THE place to be....

Mary Lou Metzger will be on Dale Radio.

And there will be live music by the UCLA Jazz Ensemble, plus much much more!If you're not anywhere near Los Angeles, don't worry.....Dale Radio is a popular radio podcast. All you need is be near a computer and it's like you're there.

And if you are going to attend in person, attendance is free.You can't beat that!

5. THE EARLY DAYS OF THE DANCE/LAND OF A THOUSAND DANCES - danced by Bobby Burgess and Cissy King6. THIS GUY'S IN LOVE WITH YOU - Guy Hovis and Ralna English7. GAMES PEOPLE PLAY - Clay Hart with Buddy Merrill and Neil Levang on guitar and Richard Maloof on bass8. I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT - Norma Zimmer9. SWING OUT - Johnny Zell on trumpet, Peanuts Hucko on clarinet and Bob Havens on trombone

During the show, I noticed the recurring theme other than New Year's Eve was the Tournament of Roses parade and the Rose Bowl.

Here's the Maestro talking with the reigning queen of the Rose Parade.

And during the parade number, we see that half the Music Makers waving Ohio State pennants and the other half Stanford pennants.

These were the two schools that were scheduled to play in that year's Rose Bowl.And if you're a sports fan, Stanford won that game 27-17. The game's Most Valuable Player? It was quarterback Jim Plunkett who would go on to win two Super Bowls in a sixteen year career in the pros.

So until next time, keep a song in your heart and remember where the music comes out after it goes round and round.

From Hollywood, The Lawrence Welk Network presents....

ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY JB FUNKY HIMSELF

About Me

The blogmeister is also the webmaster behind the very successful Welk Musical Family.com. I have been a fan of Lawrence Welk since I was a youngster (not too long ago!) and have watched (and taped) his show every Saturday night on my local PBS station, WGTE and sometimes WBGU. My hometown and current residence is Toledo, Ohio and in recent years, I have attended many of their live concerts and had the chance to meet many of the wunnerful music makers as well.